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Franchise
Playersis Entrepreneur’s Q&A interview
column that puts the spotlight on franchisees. If you're a
franchisee with advice and tips to share, email
ktaylor@entrepreneur.com.

One of the most attractive characteristics of franchising is that
established systems give certain franchisees the flexibility to
not have their business take over their lives. For Stephanie
Hopkins, that meant starting her own business without quitting
her job in the banking industry. After over a decade working to
help finance other peoples' dream business, Hopkins wanted a
chance to start her own company. BodyBrite allowed her to have
the best of both world: starting a business while continuing her
busy finance career.

I have worked in the commercial banking industry for 12 years. In
that time I have financed many businesses, worked closely with
those business owners and have seen their success and sense of
pride and accomplishment. This experience added fire to my
long-time goal to one day become a business owner myself.
However, with a busy career and no prior experience of owning a
business, franchising was a great option for me.

What were you doing before you became a franchise
owner?

I have a degree in Finance from LSU and have worked in the
banking industry since graduating in 2001. I am currently a
Relationship Manager for a Texas-based commercial bank where I
specialize in the finance industry. While it keeps me very busy,
I am able to maintain both my career and the BodyBrite franchise.
Achieving this balance has been greatly assisted by Rebecca Kurtz
(my business partner) and our incredible employees. Our staff
truly takes ownership of the store and makes sure our customers
have a very positive experience.

Why did you choose this particular franchise?

After researching BodyBrite, I knew this was the right fit for
me. I have always had a passion for the industry and found it
compelling that I would be a part of making these services
available to such a broad market. I found the business model to
be very attractive; the straightforward pricing structure, the
types and quality of services offered and the quick and easy way
in which they are offered fit a need in our area. I knew that if
a BodyBrite had opened previously in my area I would have been an
eager customer. Then finally, after meeting the owners and
management team, we made the decision to move forward. They are
extremely supportive but also respect and encourage ideas and
input from their individual franchise owners. They recognize that
we are the ones on the front lines and we work together to
strengthen and grow the franchise as a whole.

How much would you estimate you spent before you were
officially open for business?

Approximately $120,000: $37,000 in franchise fees for area
development agreement, $37,000 for equipment, $30,000 for the
buildout of our location, and approximately $16,000 in
miscellaneous expenses (insurance, promotional, travel/ training
expenses, licenses, etc.)

Where did you get most of your advice/do most of your
research?

We initially researched online, but because the franchise was
relatively new, there was not a lot of information available at
the time. We spoke to some of the existing owners, visited the
corporate headquarters and location and researched the owners’
franchise experience prior to BodyBrite. I also received a lot of
good advice from a family member who is the controller for a
local company that is currently franchising. She was able to give
me an idea of issues to consider and what to expect. We took a
lot of comfort in the ownership/ management team with the
understanding that we would be entering the franchise in its
infancy. I understood that there were greater risks in doing so
but also many benefits as well.

The biggest challenge was being patient to build up the volume of
customers. We believe so strongly in the services we provide and
how much of a value these services are that we wanted to spread
our message as quickly as possible. But figuring out how to best
use advertising dollars proved to be a difficult task. Ultimately
we found our best results came from us personally going into the
community and talking about BodyBrite. Slowly but surely word
began to spread and now word-of-mouth is our best advertising.

What advice do you have for individuals who want to own
their own franchise?

Research as much as you can and make sure you (1) believe in the
product and business model, (2) respect and get along with the
ownership/ management team as you will have a very close working
relationship with them, and (3) seek as much advice and counsel
as you can from existing franchise owners – there is nothing
better than personal experience. I have learned so much through
this process that I have many valuable tips for future owners as
they work to open and operate their own BodyBrite location.

What’s next for you and your business?

More BodyBrite centers. We signed an Area Development Agreement
that will include a total of three centers. We are excited to
expand this model to surrounding areas and be a part of the
growth and strengthening of the BodyBrite brand.